Today's Everyday Fashion: Shop McAuley's






































One of my favorite parts about blogging is learning about new boutiques to love. I used to be a retail-only type girl, but I am really into boutiques now! As soon as I saw this unique shirt from Shop McAuley's, I fell in love with the color, and I had a hunch that it would work for re-creating this Anthropologie look. I love the varying shades of blue and green, and the yellow shoes were the perfect touch. (I also tried nude shoes but it was pretty blah.) What are some of your favorite small boutiques online? Submit them below and I'll add them to my online shopping guide!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: Anthropologie
Shirt: c/o Shop McAuley's, $58
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia






ps. I also wanted to share this video with you! Career Reality TV had me on as a guest last week to talk about fashion in the workplace and you can watch the whole thing here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: That 70's Trend

































I don't know what's gotten into me lately. I have never been a huge fan of the boho look, but I am loving the 70's trend that is so hot right now! I can't get enough fringe, flares and 70's silhouettes such as today's shirt. Tell me - are you rocking the boho trend or passing on it?

Styling tip: This blush pink shirt has a lot of volume, and is also a size too big for me. You can make shirts that are too big work in a couple ways - you can belt them over skinny jeans, or tuck them into a skirt like I did in today's look!

Inspiration photo: Shopbop.com
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $17
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Win Earrings from VDazzled Jewelry! [now closed]

























A girl can never have enough jewelry. Or at least that's how I feel. :-) That's why I'm excited to share my latest find: VDazzled Jewelry. This awesome Etsy retailer has generously offered to give away TWO pairs of their wire wrapped earrings to one lucky reader (one for you, one for a friend?). I will randomly select a winner on Saturday. Good luck!

To enter:
1. Keep in touch with VDazzled Jewelry by "liking" their page on Facebook.
2.  Leave a comment below.

We have a winner, congrats Katherine!


 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ahoy Matey






































Some outfits have a theme or genre. Like today's look, which would clearly be marked "nautical." You can also create outfits that mix genres - such as a girlie pink dress with combat boots (romantic + military). But with all these themes flying around, how does one not wind up going overboard? (nautical pun intended)

I have a quick test for this: if your outfit would could be worn to ANY costume party (including a Mad Men themed party!), then you might want to switch something out (use a piece from another era) to make your outfit a bit more modern. I think today's look is about as far as I would take one theme, and although it could be the start of a great costume, for Halloween I would wear it with red pumps, a full skirt and a sailor hat. :-) Tell me - how do you determine if an outfit has crossed over into costume territory?

Inspiration photo: Guess
Sweater: Banana Republic, $20
Shirt: H&M, $13
Jeans: Gap, $30
Shoes: Banana Republic, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot (detail below)

Flashback Friday: Cropped Khakis






































I have always hated dress pants. I don't know if it's the fabric, the fit, or both, but they have always bored me to tears. I spent years of my corporate life searching for unique fabrics or colors to punch things up, but it wasn't until I found this pair from Banana Republic (for only $14!) that I truly fell in love with a pair of dress pants (meaning, something fancier than jeans). I know a lot of women struggle with loving dress pants, and I always use these pants as an example. A fun, unique fit (pleated top, cropped/skinny bottom, high-wasited, wide legs, for example) can be a great way to have fun with dress pants!

Shopping tip: Try looking for a unique fit for your work pants at stores like Urban Outfitters, ASOS or Zara. My picks:

1. Urban Outfitters, $59
2. ASOS, $53
3. ASOS, $62
4. Gap, $60
5. Forever 21, $18

Today's Everyday Fashion: How To Select Comfy Shoes







































Last night I had dinner with a friend and attended a Pulse of Central FL event and this is what I wore! I'm often asked how I wear heels so much, and/or how to find comfy heels, so I put together a few of my best tips for you guys. Not all shoes are created equal, and footwear often dictates the rest of my outfit depending on how comfy I need to be for that occasion. This was the case last night. I picked some of my most comfy heels since i had a fair amount of walking and standing to do. Here are my best tips for finding comfy heels:

1. Angle of foot. Most people think that heel height makes the biggest difference in comfort, but even more important than that is the angle of your foot. If your heel is 5 inches high with no platform, you are essentially walking on your toes, which is not comfy. If your heel is 5 inches, and the platform is 3 inches, your foot will only be at a 2 inch angle, which makes a huge difference! You can do this math on websites that list their heel and platform height (heel ht. (minus) platform ht. = foot angle, the lower the better).
2. Stiletto width. Another huge factor in the comfort of a shoe is the size of the stiletto. If the tip of the heel is the size of a pencil eraser, it's pretty tough to walk in. A wedge, on the other hand, is the most comfy heel out there. Another way to think of it - view the shoe from the bottom. How much is touching the ground? The more, the better.
3. Shoe material. My strategy for shoes is to shop for brand names at DSW, TJ Maxx or Ross. This is not because I'm a label snob, it's because a higher quality shoe is way more comfortable! Natural and real leather shoes are much more comfortable than man-made materials, which is why I try to find brand names with higher craftsmanship at discount stores. I stay away from buying shoes at stores like Payless or Target.
4. Correct size. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we've all been tempted to buy a shoe that was the right price, the right style... but not quite the right size. If your shoe is too big or too small, you will likely never be comfy in that shoe, so just pass on it.
5. Padding. I haven't tried them personally, but if you are still having troubles with heels, I suggest giving some gel inserts or extra padding a try!

Occasion: Dinner and tweet-up
Shirt: Forever 21, $16
Skirt: Forever 21, $16
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

Today's Everyday Fashion: Color Blocking






































Color blocking: if you read fashion websites or magazines, then you've definitely heard of it by now. By definition, color blocking means blocks of solid colors worn together, and as you may have surmised it is a super hot trend for spring. You can buy items that come already color blocked, or you can do it yourself by pairing brightly colored separates together as I've done in today's look. You guys know that I'm color obsessed and can never get enough, so color blocking is definitely a trend for me! I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this trend though. Are you a fan of color blocking? Would you wear head to toe color like in today's look?

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: FabSugar.com
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Banana Republic, $30
Skirt: Forever 21, $12 (recent)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: Spotted



































Who knew this seafoam LOFT skirt could be so versatile? So far I've paired it with bright colors and pastel pink, but I love today's unexpected combo with an animal print shirt. I used the general idea of Jessica Alba's outfit - an animal shirt, greenish skirt and army jacket to come up with a look for work that I think is fun and funky. I also can't wait to wear this shirt with jeans and/or shorts for a more casual look!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: FabSugar.com
Jacket (middle): Gap, $25
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $17
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: Function vs. Fashion






































Sometimes comfort wins. I had a super-cute outfit planned for Saturday night out in Austin. But after a 3-hour speaking engagement, a 3-hour shopping event and being on my feet all day... I just didn't have the energy left to wear the heels and cute skirt I had planned to wear. :-( Thankfully, nightlife in Austin is super-casual and my friends assured me I would be fine in this look, which is usually something I would wear for the mall or running errands NOT for a night out. I would have loved to have worn the other outfit, but like I said sometimes you just have to go with what's practical vs. what's fashionable. Tell me - have you ever been in this type of situation? Did you choose function or fashion?

Shirt: c/o Saivana
Jeans: Gap, $30
Belt: Limited, $10
Shoes: Rampage/Endless.com, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bangles: Forever 21, $8
White bracelet: c/o Pop of Chic, $25 (detail below)

Pop of Chic white starfish bracelet (middle)




















ps. I will be on the radio show Clothes Line tonight talking about dressing like a celebrity on a budget!  I'll be on from 7:30-8:30pm ET and you can listen online or via phone at (347) 843-4266. [The show is archived if you missed the live show! Just visit the blue link.]


Today's Everyday Fashion: Headed Home






































I have a confession: I've been wearing this outfit a lot lately. I threw it on in a hurry one morning, and then it became my go-to for a couple (errr several) other days that I was in a hurry. This outfit is so comfy though; I had to wear it (yet again) for my plane ride home from Austin. Tell me, what do you prefer to wear for air travel? Jeans, a maxi dress, or something else? Do you wear mostly flat shoes or sometimes heels?

Occasion: Air travel
Shirt: c/o MJR Sales, $14 (Enter this into the search box: FAMOUS CATALOG CUT OUT SHOULDER TOP)
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $21
Necklace: c/o Stella & Dot

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shop with J for a Day






































I've been looking forward to this day for awhile now, and I'm so excited it's finally here! I'm spending the morning with 20 lovely bloggers from the Austin, TX area for a blogging rountable on social media and building a brand. In the afternoon I'm attending "Shop with J for a Day" which is a free shopping event where I'll be playing the role of personal stylist! I can't wait to meet everyone and help them put together some amazing outfits. If you're in the area and want to stop by details are here.

About my outfit: I got the color combo from my inspiration photo, but then I ran with it! I thought this necklace from JcPenney tied the whole look together and I chose these shoes because they are SO comfy and I'll be on my feet all day. I hope Austin, TX likes color because I am certainly not shying away from it today!

Occasion: Blogging seminar and shopping event in Austin, TX
Inspiration photo: Refinery29
Dress: H&M, $30
Cardigan: H&M, $18 (recent)
Belt: Gap, $10
Necklace: JcPenney, $9
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

Today's Everyday Fashion: Traveling to Austin






































By the time you are reading this, I will be halfway across the country, landing in Austin, TX! I'm going straight from the airport for lunch and sightseeing, so I needed something comfy and that could adjust to changing temperatures. This dress is also appropriate because at Saturday's event you'll be able to shop for this dress, along with tons of other goodies from The Unique Closet and Stella & Dot!! Here is the event link if you live in the area and are interested in attending. I can't wait to meet some of you tomorrow!

Occasion: Air travel, lunch and sightseeing in Austin, TX
Dress: c/o The Unique Closet, $42.50
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $21
Earrings: c/o Stella & Dot (close-up below)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Stole My Sleeves





Someone stole my sleeves! :-) I'm kidding, but I keep referring to this new "vest" as my blazer with no sleeves. I love the cargo pockets, and I honestly think that a blazer without sleeves is a genius way to look dressed up when you live in hot, steamy Florida. What are your thoughts on sleeveless blazers? Would you wear one?

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: Reader submitted
Vest: Banana Republic, $35 (purchased in the store last week - I tweeted about the 40% off sale the day I bought it! Follow me for up-to-the-minute updates: @jevrydayfashion)
Cami: Forever 21, $3
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Banana Republic, $30
Brooch: Banana Republic, $20
Shoes: H&M, $30
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10














ps. I'm the guest curator for 20 Best Twenty this month! They asked me to come up with a list of 20 things I can't live without in May, and my list includes some really inspiring websites and fun stuff so I thought I'd share! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bold Move






































It was bound to happen. Mustard is my favorite color these days, so I was always eventually going to pair this magenta skirt with it. I wore it with yellow shoes last week, but today's outfit is more of the color-blocking trend that I'm currently obsessed with. :-)

Styling tips: Do you have a bright colored bottom? Don't go safe up top. Give color-blocking a try and pair it with a bright colored top!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: DVF
Shirt: Gap, $30
Skirt: Limited, $35
Belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: Aldo, $50
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Today's Everyday Fashion: Office Dress Codes






































Every time I post an office look I wonder what you guys wear to work. Dress codes vary so widely between offices, it's difficult to generalize what outfits might work for you. If you job is at an ad agency or magazine, it's likely that your dress code is very lax and today's look is too formal. If you work at a bank or attorney's office, then it's likely that today's outfit is a bit too risque. I've come up with a few guidelines that I think are universal for office jobs (sort of the "bare minimum" of what everyone should be doing). Feel free to weigh in on guidelines that you follow in the comment section, I'm interested to hear your thoughts!

J's office guidelines:
- Don't go strapless. I think that no matter how casual your office, if you work in an actual office building, it's not acceptable to wear a strapless dress or top. Go sleeveless - but the smallest I would go is a thick strap like in today's shirt.
- Don't go short. No matter how casual things are, I think it's best to keep things 2-3 inches above your knees, at the most. Shorts may be in style, but I wouldn't wear them to work unless they follow this rule, so most likely you'll need to go with a bermuda-style short.
- Pass on sleepwear. When it comes to sweatpants and hoodies - leave 'em at home. I think a v-neck t-shirt can be great for work, but I would tuck it into a pencil skirt, or dress it up with a statement necklace. I also think you can incorporate a sweater with a hood into your outfit, but again it should be dressed up with a collared shirt or another appropriate work piece. Overall, don't go so casual that you might be mistaken for 1. not caring about your job, or 2. that you are sleeping on the job!
- Get creative. Today's look is an example of how you can stay within these "modesty" guidelines, but still have fun! If you work in a creative environment, you can wear jeans, and fun details like a leopard shirt or spiked shoes. Don't feel like you have to give up on style and flare altogether. You should feel free to show plenty of personality, just keep it classy! ;-)

Inspiration photo: Who What Wear
Shirt: Express, $35
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Skirt: Express, really old
Shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia

Today's Everyday Fashion: Confectionery Creation






































This look makes me want to eat cupcakes and drink pink champagne! I love the soft femininity, and yet it's professional enough for work. Sprinkles, anyone? :-)

Styling tips: One of my favorite thing about J.Crew looks is their continual use of over-sized, crystal jewelry. Don't be afraid to pile on some gorgeous necklaces with any look for an instant update to your outfit!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Sweater: New York & Company, $22
Shirt: Banana Republic, $18
Skirt: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: Banana Republic, $10
Necklace: Banana Republic, $25
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22

Win a Handbag from Mimi Boutique! [now closed]


Looking for unique handbags at a great price? My new secret weapon is Mimi Boutique, a website full of awesome handbags and accessories for women on a budget.  And right now you can win one of these fabulous handbags! The winner will have their choice of the Ricky, Noemy, Freida or Bronson in any color. Simply leave a comment to enter and we'll randomly select a winner on Sunday! Good luck

To enter:
1. Keep in touch with Mimi Boutique by "liking" their Facebook page and following them on Twitter
2. Leave a comment below!

We have a winner... congrats Diana!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Stripe Swap






































You know that saying "If it isn't broken, don't fix it"? I think that applies in fashion too. I loved pairing this black and ivory striped shirt with brown, as seen previously in this outfit. So today I did a similar look with just enough changes to make this outfit feel brand new! 

Styling tip: Don't feel like you have to re-invent the wheel everytime you get dressed. Take an idea you love - such as a black and white print paired with brown, or a unique color combo, and change a couple of accessories to give you the feeling of a new outfit all together.

Cardigan: Gap, $18
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $13
Belt: H&M, $20
Jeans (left): Gap, $15
Shorts (right): American Eagle, $30
Necklace: Forever 21, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

Today's Everyday Fashion: Orange Crush






































I have a crush on the color orange lately. When I was a kid, it was always my least favorite. I didn't like orange markers, and I didn't like orange popsicles. But I'm loving all the citrus hues shown on the runway recently, and I've come to learn that orange is an excellent color for my skin tone. And now I can't get enough! :-)

Styling tips: Are there colors you've been afraid to try? This summer, make it your goal to try on at least one new color that you may or may not love on the hanger. If it doesn't work out, no harm done. If it does, you might find yourself with a new favorite color just like me!

Occasion: Errands
Shirt: Moda, c/o MJR Sales, $24
Jeans (left): Gap, $35
Shorts (right): American Eagle, $25
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Flashback Friday: Nude Shoes

[Click the photo to view it larger.] Nude shoes are an awesome staple to have in your closet. They elongate your legs, and are perfect for those "what shoes am I going to wear?!" moments because they go with absolutely anything. I also love-lace up shoes, so I certainly couldn't pass on these nude lace-ups when I saw them last year. :-) They were my "it" shoe last summer, but I still love them to death and plan on wearing them this summer too!

Do you love nude shoes? Which look in today's post is your favorite?

Shopping tip: Want these shoes? Google the style name "Chinese Laundry Lucky Strike" - tons of websites still have them.